My Dream Interview and Timeless Lessons from ‘Cocktail’ and Coughlin’s Laws

Dreams are achievable when you just ask. Today, I want to share a story that’s been a highlight for me that tapped me directly into a source of my inspiration.

When you think about legendary sales movies, goofy Tom Cruise-Bryan Brown 1989 classic “Cocktail” might not be the first to come to mind. Yet, for me, it’s an absolute masterpiece, and the opportunity to interview the man behind it, Heywood Gould, was a dream come true—all because I tracked him down and asked.

If you needed a sign to shoot your shot, consider this one.

The film is a symphony of ambition, mentorship, and the hard knocks we all face on our road to success. Here’s why Cocktail is still incredibly relevant to anyone with career aspirations:

1⃣ “Anything else is always something better.” We often chase what’s next instead of nurturing what we have. In our careers, we think greener pastures will solve our problems, but the real value lies in doubling down on our current path and refining our craft. Keep investing in your journey.

2⃣ “Never show surprise, never lose your cool.” Handling rejection, setbacks, or deal-breakers with grace can turn the tide in our favor. In sales and in life, our resilience, composure, and ability to pivot make all the difference.

3⃣ “There are two kinds of people in this world: the workers and the hustlers.” Hustlers might take shortcuts, but workers understand that true success is built on grit and consistency. Choose to be a worker who also hustles with purpose.

Cocktail is more than just flair bartending and 80s nostalgia. It’s a story about dreams deferred, decisions made for love, and understanding what truly matters in life.

Heywood Gould revealed to me that the film drew from real, gritty bartending experiences. It was about friends who chased their dreams and sometimes found themselves on the brink of surrender. Yet, it was their ambition, camaraderie, and relentless pursuit of something more that kept them going.

Dreams come true when you pursue them relentlessly. From starting as a bartender to writing scripts for legends like Paul Newman, Heywood’s journey reminded me that the best career opportunities come from following your passion, taking chances, and being ready for when luck comes knocking.

Check out our full interview on Salesman on Fire here: https://youtu.be/DyxK57zAvKc

So, to all the dreamers out there: keep asking, keep hustling, and never be afraid to chart your own course. Your next big break could be a simple “yes” away.

What do you think? Which Coughlin’s Law do you find most relevant today? Drop your thoughts below!

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